Architectural Engineering
Architectural engineers differ from civil engineers. While both share a common knowledge of structures, civil engineers tend to apply this knowledge to bridges, roads, damns and water reservoirs. Architectural engineers are interested in buildings, but their education goes beyond structural systems by including the engineering of other building parts such as mechanical (HVAC), electrical and fire safety systems. In addition, because architectural engineers work closely with architects in their education they develop a good knowledge of architectural design and drawings as well the appreciation of the history of our architectural heritage. Similarly to architects, architectural engineers, after earning an accredited degree, become registered professionals with required work experience and state licensing examinations. Professional architectural engineers have a high standing in our society.
Architectural engineering, also known as building engineering, is the application of engineering principles and technology to building design and construction. Structural engineering involves the analysis and design of physical objects (buildings, bridges, equipment supports, towers and walls). Those concentrating on buildings are responsible for the structural performance of a large part of the built environment and are, sometimes, informally referred to as "building engineers". Structural engineers require expertise in strength of materials and in the seismic design of structures covered by earthquake engineering. Architectural Engineers sometimes practice structural as one aspect of their designs; the structural discipline when practiced as a specialty works closely with architects and other engineering specialists.
Mechanical engineering and electrical engineering engineers are specialists commonly referred to as "MEP" (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) when engaged in the building design fields. Also known as "building services engineering" in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Mechanical engineers often design and oversee the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and rain gutter systems. Plumbing designers often include design specifications for simple active fire protection systems, but for more complicated projects, fire protection engineers are often separately retained. Electrical engineers are responsible for the building's power distribution, telecommunication, fire alarm, signalization, lightning protection and control systems, as well as lighting systems.
Architectural engineers apply engineering principles to the construction, planning, and design of buildings and other structures. They often work with other engineers and with architects, who focus on function layout or aesthetics of building projects. Architectural Engineering often encompasses elements of other engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and others.
Architectural engineers are responsible for the different systems within a building, structure, or complex.
Architectural engineers focus several areas, including:
The structural integrity of buildings to anticipate earthquakes, vibrations and wind loads.
The design and analysis of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
Efficiency and design of plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems.
Acoustic and lighting planning.
Energy conservation issues.
Employment of architectural engineers (and the architects who work with them) is strongly tied to the activity of the construction industry. Strong growth is expected to come from nonresidential construction as demand for commercial space increases. Residential construction, buoyed by low interest rates, is also expected to grow as more and more people become homeowners. If interest rates rise significantly, this sector may see a falloff in home building. Some types of construction are sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy. Architectural engineers seeking design projects for office and retail construction will face especially strong competition for jobs or clients during recessions, and layoffs may ensue in less successful firms. Those involved in the design of institutional buildings, such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities, will be less affected by fluctuations in the economy. Residential construction makes up a small portion of work for architectural engineers, so major changes in the housing market would not be as significant as fluctuations in the nonresidential market.
Architectural engineering, also known as building engineering, is the application of engineering principles and technology to building design and construction. Structural engineering involves the analysis and design of physical objects (buildings, bridges, equipment supports, towers and walls). Those concentrating on buildings are responsible for the structural performance of a large part of the built environment and are, sometimes, informally referred to as "building engineers". Structural engineers require expertise in strength of materials and in the seismic design of structures covered by earthquake engineering. Architectural Engineers sometimes practice structural as one aspect of their designs; the structural discipline when practiced as a specialty works closely with architects and other engineering specialists.
Mechanical engineering and electrical engineering engineers are specialists commonly referred to as "MEP" (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) when engaged in the building design fields. Also known as "building services engineering" in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Mechanical engineers often design and oversee the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and rain gutter systems. Plumbing designers often include design specifications for simple active fire protection systems, but for more complicated projects, fire protection engineers are often separately retained. Electrical engineers are responsible for the building's power distribution, telecommunication, fire alarm, signalization, lightning protection and control systems, as well as lighting systems.
Architectural engineers apply engineering principles to the construction, planning, and design of buildings and other structures. They often work with other engineers and with architects, who focus on function layout or aesthetics of building projects. Architectural Engineering often encompasses elements of other engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and others.
Architectural engineers are responsible for the different systems within a building, structure, or complex.
Architectural engineers focus several areas, including:
The structural integrity of buildings to anticipate earthquakes, vibrations and wind loads.
The design and analysis of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
Efficiency and design of plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems.
Acoustic and lighting planning.
Energy conservation issues.
Employment of architectural engineers (and the architects who work with them) is strongly tied to the activity of the construction industry. Strong growth is expected to come from nonresidential construction as demand for commercial space increases. Residential construction, buoyed by low interest rates, is also expected to grow as more and more people become homeowners. If interest rates rise significantly, this sector may see a falloff in home building. Some types of construction are sensitive to cyclical changes in the economy. Architectural engineers seeking design projects for office and retail construction will face especially strong competition for jobs or clients during recessions, and layoffs may ensue in less successful firms. Those involved in the design of institutional buildings, such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities, will be less affected by fluctuations in the economy. Residential construction makes up a small portion of work for architectural engineers, so major changes in the housing market would not be as significant as fluctuations in the nonresidential market.
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